Fire alarms are chaotic by nature. As security guards, we often find ourselves at the center of the action, managing both building occupants and our own teams in situations where every second matters. While fire safety protocols are designed to streamline responses, the reality is far messier. After several recent alarms and insightful discussions with a seasoned Fire Life Safety Director (FLSD), I've developed a clearer, more refined perspective on handling fire alarms effectively while navigating real-world challenges. Here's what I've learned:

1. The Core Priority: Life Safety

The ultimate goal during a fire alarm is to protect lives—everything else is secondary. Protocols, rally points, and even the fire panel's data are important, but the first and most crucial step is to ensure people evacuate the building. Over-complicating the process increases the likelihood of delays or failures, so simplicity and decisiveness are key.

2. Simplified Steps for Fire Alarm Response

Here’s my streamlined approach:

1. Head to the Fire Panel (or Annunciator): Identify the location of the triggered alarm.
2. Radio the Alarm Location: Communicate it clearly to responding units.
3. Investigate the Alarm (if Safe): If the location is clear, assess the situation to determine if there’s an active condition (smoke, fire, etc.).
4. Evacuate the Building:
   • If no active condition: Evacuate by clearing the alarm floor and the floor above.
   • If there is smoke or fire: Clear the entire building if safe to do so and you are unable to extinguish the fire yourself.
5. Assist Occupants: Firmly but calmly direct people to exits, ensuring they are clear of the building.

This approach prioritizes life safety while allowing flexibility to adapt as the situation evolves.

3. Challenges with Rally Points and Evacuation Behavior

The Reality of Rally Points

Many fire safety plans designate an outdoor rally point, often a block or more away from the building. This is meant to keep evacuees safe from debris, explosions, or other hazards while ensuring emergency responders have clear access. However, getting people to these rally points is another story.

• Behavioral Issues: Occupants often linger near the building, especially if it’s cold, hot, or inconvenient to walk farther.
• Logistical Hurdles: In the chaos of an alarm, dedicating staff to guide evacuees to the rally point is often impractical. Even when directed, many people will drift to closer, more convenient locations.

My Experience

In one instance, I directed occupants of a building in alarm to an internal rally point nearby due to cold weather. Instead of going there, they crowded into another building’s lobby. The guard there allowed them to stay, recognizing they’d evacuated but didn’t follow the plan. This highlights the difficulty of enforcing rally points and the need to adapt to real-world behavior.

4. Re-Entry Challenges

Another recurring issue is re-entry after the all-clear. While we often wave people back in through main exits, we can inadvertently forget evacuees who used side or less-trafficked doors. This oversight can leave people standing outside unnecessarily.

Solutions:

• Exit Accountability: Assign someone to check all exits after giving the all-clear.
• Radio Confirmation: Ensure all exits are reported clear over the radio.

5. Cultural and Behavioral Factors

The FLSD pointed out an interesting cultural factor: not everyone is trained to evacuate when they hear alarms. For example, in some countries, people are conditioned to wait for instructions before leaving. While this isn’t an excuse, it explains why some individuals hesitate or resist evacuating.

My Approach:

During one alarm, I shouted at lingering occupants, “YOU NEED TO EVACUATE WHEN YOU HEAR THAT ALARM!” The urgency in my voice got them moving, quickly at that. While I later learned they were trained to wait for an announcement for further instructions, my instinct ensured their safety. Sometimes, authority and urgency are necessary to overcome hesitation.

6. Leadership in Chaos

In multiple recent alarms, I’ve found myself becoming the de facto leader, even with supervisors and directors on-site. They’ve looked to me for guidance. This highlights the importance of staying calm, taking initiative, and communicating clearly.

Key Actions:

• Take Ownership of Communication: Be the consistent voice transmitting updates.
• Delegate Tasks: Assign specific responsibilities to others (e.g., checking stairwells or confirming floor clearances).
• Focus on Evacuation: Prioritize getting people out and adapt as needed.

7. Final Thoughts

Fire safety plans are often over-refined and assume ideal conditions. In reality, alarms are chaotic, people behave unpredictably, and resources are stretched thin. The key is to simplify your response, focus on life safety, and adapt to the situation. The more complex a process is, the more likely it is to fail at one step or another in it. K.I.S.S

Security guards, remember:

• Evacuate first; everything else comes second.
• Don’t overthink protocols when lives are at stake.
• Stay calm and lead by example.

What are your thoughts? Have you experienced similar challenges during fire alarms?

CONTEXT:
High school graduate, 18, guy with no Volunteer or other Job experience.

as the title suggests I'm getting my first job and I saw that a security guard would give me some time to study for my other responsibilities, I was wondering if there is anything I should be aware of, from the resume to possibly getting the Job.

We've all been there—working a site that makes you question whether you're better off unemployed. Sometimes it’s subtle, other times it’s beyond obvious, but those “red flags” are more like flashing neon signs saying "LEAVE NOW!".

Here are a few examples to get us started:

• You’re expected to arrange your own shift coverage – This isn't unique to security, but I was surprised to read that it either has been, or is becoming common in this industry. Because apparently, scheduling isn't your manager or schedulers responsibility anymore. I understand tour swaps between guards, but needing a day off and having to scramble to find coverage isn't your job, or shouldn't be.

• Your post orders might be imaginary – No one knows where they are. A likely reason for this is either outright incompetence, and not having them prepared, at hand, and complete, or to remove liability from the client/company if/when a guard follows the written orders to a T but the results are still negative.

• Missing paychecks or hours – You shouldn’t have to chase down the money you’ve already worked for. Human error is to be expected, but entire shifts "vanishing" from checks on more than rare basis? Something's wrong.

• Unsafe working conditions – Guarding a construction site without so much as a hard hat or goggles? Being directed to "engage" an armed subject without proper equipment, just a stern command and a flashlight? Nah, I'm good boss. YOU tackle him, oh and enjoy the resulting stab wounds...

• Nepotism and favoritism – When someone’s “connections” matter more than competence. I know it's a fact of life, but when it's thrown in your face, even at your expense, it's time to hit up indeed again.

What are some signs YOU think indicate it’s time to quit a security job?

Which badge will you be wearing this week?

Let's break down what happened LAST WEEK and what we're walking into THIS WEEK:

From the Trenches:

• High of the Week: Share your win – big or small! (Promotion, resolved a conflict, etc.)
• Low of the Week: Let it out. What threw you off your game?
• Surprise of the Week: The thing you didn't see coming, good OR bad.

Incoming!:

• Positive Outlook: What are you HOPING goes smoothly this week?
• Potential Hassle: What are you semi-dreading, but ready to handle?
• Goal of the Week: One thing you want to achieve professionally in the next 7 days.

Catharsis purges the soul! We've all been there. Share your stories, vent a bit if needed, this is a safe (and secure) space.

Micromanagement and collective punishment are two things that make any job irritating.

There’s a common train of thought I’ve encountered that front line guards need harsh measures to stay in line—basically, if you don’t hover over guards, we won’t do our jobs. This is condescending and insulting. We're all adults who can do our jobs without somebody on top of us.

Here’s an example of collective punishment amd micromanagement I’ve had:

At my site, we had comfortable chairs in the booths. Apparently, some guards would slouch too low and be barely visible from the outside. Instead of addressing THOSE individuals, management replaced all the chairs with uncomfortable ones as a collective measure.

The problem? Now, everyone is uncomfortable, including those of us who were doing our jobs well. Funnily enough, I end up slouching now when I wasn't before—to find some type of comfort in these terrible chairs.

One day, the operations manager walked by and waved to me. I acknowledged her, but she waved me toward the window to speak. She asked me to "sit up straight" so I’d be more visible. I told her, respectfully, that I wouldn’t be doing that because I'm able to monitor the area and do my job from that position.

She wasn’t happy about it, but I'm tired of playing along with nonsense and placating you because of your position.

Also, their collective punishment created the issue in the first place! I'm not gonna pretend it wasn’t a problem, and don't micromanage the people who do their job, go bother the guard falling asleep in his booth!

This happened weeks ago and I haven't been reprimanded over it. You can and should challenge authority when you can back it with facts and logic. Nothing I told her was untrue and I can articulate my justification if she wanted to escalate it. Don't be afraid to stand your ground with these people. Some managers get on their high horse and want to throw their weight around. You can speak your peace without being insubordinate. At the same time, don't be obstinate when you know don't have a leg to stand on. I've had similar situations where I just had to concede because they were right.

How do you handle micromanagement? Do you think it’s ever justified, or is it always a sign of poor management?

Which badge will you be wearing this week?

Let's break down what happened LAST WEEK and what we're walking into THIS WEEK:

From the Trenches:

• High of the Week: Share your win – big or small! (Promotion, resolved a conflict, etc.)
• Low of the Week: Let it out. What threw you off your game?
• Surprise of the Week: The thing you didn't see coming, good OR bad.

Incoming!:

• Positive Outlook: What are you HOPING goes smoothly this week?
• Potential Hassle: What are you semi-dreading, but ready to handle?
• Goal of the Week: One thing you want to achieve professionally in the next 7 days.

Catharsis purges the soul! We've all been there. Share your stories, vent a bit if needed, this is a safe (and secure) space.

Articles on the incident:

• Shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is 'wake-up call' for US corporate security: report
• UnitedHealth Shooting Is a Wake-Up Call on Corporate Security
• UnitedHealthcare exec's killer may have left a message - here's what we know

The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in NYC has sparked a wave of concern over the safety of corporate leaders. Thompson, who was reportedly targeted, did not have a close protection detail at the time. In light of this, many companies are reassessing their approach to executive security.

Some, like CVS, already provide security for their C-suite executives. Others, including UnitedHealthcare, reportedly had no such measures in place, as they didn’t report security expenditures in recent years.

This incident has already prompted a surge in inquiries to executive protection firms. Should companies contract out external firms or create dedicated in-house executive protection teams? For everyone, but especially those who work in executive protection: What do you think?

Which badge will you be wearing this week?

Let's break down what happened LAST WEEK and what we're walking into THIS WEEK:

From the Trenches:

• High of the Week: Share your win – big or small! (Promotion, resolved a conflict, etc.)
• Low of the Week: Let it out. What threw you off your game?
• Surprise of the Week: The thing you didn't see coming, good OR bad.

Incoming!:

• Positive Outlook: What are you HOPING goes smoothly this week?
• Potential Hassle: What are you semi-dreading, but ready to handle?
• Goal of the Week: One thing you want to achieve professionally in the next 7 days.

Catharsis purges the soul! We've all been there. Share your stories, vent a bit if needed, this is a safe (and secure) space.

If going for F-60 or F-89 certs is it necessary to also get F-02? Is F-02 prerequisite before taking F-60/F-89 or does a F-60/F-89 cover the requirements that the F-02 does and make taking it unnecessary?

Hey everyone,

I know not everyone can do it, but at my job we can pop in an earbud and listen to audiobooks or podcasts so long as it's done discreetly. I wanted to share a little gem I've been enjoying lately. It's an audiobook series called (Audible Link) We’re Alive: A Story of Survival. Imagine an audio drama with full voice acting, sound effects, and a gripping storyline set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies. It's kinda like "The Walking Dead" in audio drama form, if you're into that.

Listening to "We're Alive" has made my shifts fly by, and it got me thinking – why not start a thread where we can all share our favorite audiobooks, podcasts, or audio series that are perfect for discreet listening while on the job?

So, let's get a list going! Share your top audio picks, whether it's a thrilling drama, an insightful podcast, or anything in between. Let's help each other find some hidden gems to make our shifts a little more entertaining.

I'll start with "We're Alive: A Story of Survival."
Here's an Excerpt with Recording Footage on youtube.

Which badge will you be wearing this week?

Let's break down what happened LAST WEEK and what we're walking into THIS WEEK:

From the Trenches:

• High of the Week: Share your win – big or small! (Promotion, resolved a conflict, etc.)
• Low of the Week: Let it out. What threw you off your game?
• Surprise of the Week: The thing you didn't see coming, good OR bad.

Incoming!:

• Positive Outlook: What are you HOPING goes smoothly this week?
• Potential Hassle: What are you semi-dreading, but ready to handle?
• Goal of the Week: One thing you want to achieve professionally in the next 7 days.

Catharsis purges the soul! We've all been there. Share your stories, vent a bit if needed, this is a safe (and secure) space.

A couple weeks ago, we had a situation. Sitting in my booth a transmission came over the air:

Colleague (Radio): Main be advised, possible intox or EDP heading your way. Male, average height, grey hat, blue jacket, black jeans.

Me (Radio): 4.

A few minutes later, I spot him stumbling up the sidewalk. He’s mumbling something I can’t understand but its clear he's more intox than anything.

Me (Radio): Be advised, he's currently near the gate.

My partner at the booth steps out to intercept.

Partner: Excuse me, sir. Can I help you?

Intox: (slurring) Yeah... I’m, uh, looking for Shirley. Or Jesse, yea Jesse!

The guy walks past my partner, heading straight for the building. I make sure to keep eyes on him while calling it in.

Me (Radio): He's past the gate, heading to the west entrance. I'm following him.

My supervisor arrives shortly after and approaches the man.

Intox: (Slurring) Are... are you... seen Shirley?

Supervisor: Oh, Shirley? Yea, I just saw her head out past the gate.

Intox: (shaking his head) Nah... she's still here. Are you Jesse?

The guy isn’t drunk enough to buy that apparently.

Me: (Waves him my way toward the exit) Hey, how about a coffee? You want a coffee?

Intox: (pausing) Yeah... half and half, 5 sugars.

He wobbles, and stumbles, following me off the property toward a nearby food cart.

Intox: (grinning) So, how do I become a security guard?

Me: Well, first step is getting certified. After that—

We reach the cart, and I buy him a coffee. While he’s sipping, I step away and radio in:

Me (Radio): He's off-site.

No longer on my property, no longer my problem.

I know the coffee trick isn't new, but some newer guards might find it useful. I'm curious, how have you all handled EDPs or intoxicated individuals on your site? Share your stories and tips for de-escalation.

You’re a security officer on duty in a 15-story office building. It’s mid-afternoon, and nature calls. 2 minutes after cheeks touch porcelain, the fire alarm suddenly goes off—sirens blaring, strobes flashing. You quickly check the fire panel, but the code on the display is a cryptic mess "Fire Alarm- 49gf-T1COMP/1.5 Duct" and doesn’t clearly indicate where the alarm was triggered.

Your dispatcher confirms FD is en route. You rush out to begin floor-to-floor sweeps, but things are chaotic. On multiple floors, people are reacting in wildly different ways:

• Some are frozen, unsure if it’s a real alarm or a drill.
• Others are packing up personal belongings like laptops, bags, or food.
• A few are completely oblivious, glued to their phones and headphones blaring.
• And some flat-out refuse to leave, muttering, “Meh, it’s probably just a drill.”

How do you proceed?

No, this didn't happen to me today.

Which badge will you be wearing this week?

Let's break down what happened LAST WEEK and what we're walking into THIS WEEK:

From the Trenches:

• High of the Week: Share your win – big or small! (Promotion, resolved a conflict, etc.)
• Low of the Week: Let it out. What threw you off your game?
• Surprise of the Week: The thing you didn't see coming, good OR bad.

Incoming!:

• Positive Outlook: What are you HOPING goes smoothly this week?
• Potential Hassle: What are you semi-dreading, but ready to handle?
• Goal of the Week: One thing you want to achieve professionally in the next 7 days.

Catharsis purges the soul! We've all been there. Share your stories, vent a bit if needed, this is a safe (and secure) space.

You're not sure your post orders even exist in the physical because they seem to be passed word of mouth from guard to guard like an ancient legend whispered in the guard shack.

Post your tell that your guard job is bad.

Which badge will you be wearing this week?

Let's break down what happened LAST WEEK and what we're walking into THIS WEEK:

From the Trenches:

• High of the Week: Share your win – big or small! (Promotion, resolved a conflict, etc.)
• Low of the Week: Let it out. What threw you off your game?
• Surprise of the Week: The thing you didn't see coming, good OR bad.

Incoming!:

• Positive Outlook: What are you HOPING goes smoothly this week?
• Potential Hassle: What are you semi-dreading, but ready to handle?
• Goal of the Week: One thing you want to achieve professionally in the next 7 days.

Catharsis purges the soul! We've all been there. Share your stories, vent a bit if needed, this is a safe (and secure) space.

Coastal Pacific Northwest, so precipitation is a thing. And preferably without that button on top. What are those even for?

Which badge will you be wearing this week?

Let's break down what happened LAST WEEK and what we're walking into THIS WEEK:

From the Trenches:

• High of the Week: Share your win – big or small! (Promotion, resolved a conflict, etc.)
• Low of the Week: Let it out. What threw you off your game?
• Surprise of the Week: The thing you didn't see coming, good OR bad.

Incoming!:

• Positive Outlook: What are you HOPING goes smoothly this week?
• Potential Hassle: What are you semi-dreading, but ready to handle?
• Goal of the Week: One thing you want to achieve professionally in the next 7 days.

Catharsis purges the soul! We've all been there. Share your stories, vent a bit if needed, this is a safe (and secure) space.

Why This Thread Exists:

I've been doing my best to post solid security job leads I come across in my daily searches, and it's helped a lot of us stay updated on opportunities. But as many of you know, I'm based in the NY tri-state area, so I can only share what I see around here. Imagine the possibilities if more members chipped in from different regions! The network effect could seriously open doors for more of us, especially with contributions from those who live outside my area and know openings in other places. This thread is here to help make that happen\u2014creating a job board for us, by us.

How to Share Job Leads:

1. Be General: We understand that privacy is key, so feel free to be as general as you need. Instead of posting exact locations, mention broader areas (e.g., my previous company in San Diego is hiring), and let those interested reach out to you for details.
2. Use DMs for Specifics: If someone wants more information, feel free to handle the specifics over DM. This helps prevent any accidental over-sharing and keeps everyone secure.
3. Consider a Throwaway Account: If you're uncomfortable sharing from your main account, you're more than welcome to create a throwaway to post here.
4. Link to Job Sources: When possible, include a link to the job on Indeed, LinkedIn, or the company's website. This verifies the lead without compromising your privacy and helps prevent trolling or spam.

The success of this thread depends on our community's participation, so please feel free to add to the pool if you come across any good leads. Let's help each other out\u2014every post counts! Listen, I'm obviously experimenting with ideas to help other guards out, new and old alike to make this community more valuable and robust, if you think something can be tweaked, added, or omitted to initiatives like this, let me know.

To start us off, these are some promising seeming opportunities from my latest search:

1. Global Security - Command Center Analyst

Company: JPMorgan Chase

Location: New York, NY

Salary: $71,250 - $100,000 per year

LINK TO JOB

Overview:

JPMorgan Chase seeks a Command Center Analyst for their Global Security Operations Center. This role involves monitoring, responding to security incidents, and providing support for crisis management. Responsibilities include situational awareness, crisis support, travel security operations, and collaboration with internal and external teams.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in security operations

- Experience in GIS systems preferred

- Ability to work various shifts, including weekends, holidays, and crises

- Strong communication skills and collaborative abilities

---

2. Protection Specialist

Company: Stony Brook University

Salary: $72,000 - $80,000 per year

LINK TO JOB

Overview:

Stony Brook University is hiring a Protection Specialist to join its Public Safety team. This role requires threat assessment, crisis intervention, and collaboration with law enforcement to ensure the safety of the campus. Responsibilities also include emergency response, security management, data analysis, and administration.

Qualifications:

- Associate's degree or 2 years of experience in security/public safety

- New York State Security Guard license and valid NYS Driver\u2019s License

- Experience in emergency management, crisis intervention, and security certifications preferred

---

3. School Security Monitor

Company: Brookfield Public Schools

Location: Brookfield, CT

Salary: From $25.46 per hour

LINK TO JOB

Overview:

Brookfield High School is looking for a School Security Monitor to maintain a safe school environment. Key duties include surveillance, visitor check-in, traffic management, assisting in emergencies, and supporting school administration during drills and lockdowns.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Experience working with youth or in security preferred
• Ability to work outdoors and handle physical responsibilities
• PMT training or willingness to be trained

In the security industry, working at a single site can feel stable – until, one day, it’s not. For most, being removed from a site comes out of nowhere. Since most states are at-will, guards can be removed for a specific reason or no reason at all, as long as it’s not for discrimination. You might not even get another site to work at, which can leave you stranded.

Here are some real-world examples and situations that highlight how quickly your situation can change – without any forewarning.

Contracts on Thin Margins

When it comes to site closures, one of the most common reasons is that contracts get terminated, either by the client or the contractor. Sometimes, a client finds a cheaper provider, or the contractor walks away because the client is demanding more and more without an increase in payment. Other times, it was mutual, the contract end date was reached without being renewed, and the world keeps turning.

I once overheard a G4S manager talking before a training class, saying an account was "likely to go by the wayside" because it had fallen below a certain profit margin. His focus was purely on the lack of profit, not the fact that guards were probably already overworked and underpaid for their responsibilities. It made it clear that profit comes first, and if the numbers don't add up, the contract won’t last, regardless of the guard’s hard work or the client’s expectations.

I have another zinger. I was working for a contractor on a county account that paid $14/hr which was good at the time. All of a sudden, my colleagues and I are gathered together by our manager who "stopped by" and told us that was our last shift. He pointed over to another huddle of guys in uniform who came in shortly after, with who must have been their manager. They were the competing company and he was their company owner settling them into their new site, or that's essentially what I was told. The client went with them to cut costs. The new company was only paying their guards $9.00/hr. So yea...

Favoritism and Connections

Another reality is that favoritism can lead to a guard's removal, even if they’ve done nothing wrong. I had a colleague who was abruptly removed from our post simply because a former guard, who’d lost his in-house security job, wanted his spot back. This guard had a contact with the client and made a quick phone call, and suddenly my colleague was replaced without an explanation. The site supervisor escorted him out without so much as a reason, all to make space for someone with connections.

No Loyalty: When Contractors Change Hands

Sometimes, even without being "let go," guards find themselves under new management without any warning. I worked for a year at a site with Company A. Toward the end of my time there, I noticed a short-suited guy coming in and out of the client’s office more often than usual. It didn’t cross my mind that it might mean anything for me – I just signed him in and sent him on his way.

Then one day, the client informed me, "Starting next month, you’ll be working for Company B. If you want to stay, you'll have to fill out a new application." That suited guy? Turns out, he was Company B’s account manager – my new boss. When I asked Company A’s manager why he hadn’t told me, he was just as surprised as I was. No empathy for the situation or the bind it could put me in. All he could offer was "at least 24 hours as a floater" with Company A, which I, of course, turned down.

When the Client Changes, So Do the Conditions

And sometimes it’s the client that changes while the contractor stays the same. I once worked at a site for Allied, where the client actually agreed to yearly raises for us – a pretty rare, appreciated perk. But that client left, and the new client couldn’t care less about the guards or their wellbeing. They changed my schedule at a whim, with no consideration, the account manager of course rolled over when I brought it to his attention, "the client wants what they want, and we gotta play ball", he said, and it forced me to leave.

Possible Solutions

While these situations can be tough, there are a few ways to handle them. Solutions are limited, but here are a few options that can give you some control over an unpredictable situation:

1. Stay On With the New Client or Contractor Sometimes you can request to stay on under the new client or contractor, as long as it’s agreeable to both parties. New contractors might prefer to replace all the guards to avoid inheriting any unwanted habits from the previous team, or they might want to “reinterview” the current guards to ensure everyone’s a good fit for the new management style. If they’re open to it, it’s up to you whether you stay or go, but having that option on the table can help maintain stability.
2. Stay in the Loop with Your Company If you leave a site and choose to stay with your current company, be proactive in staying in touch with them about finding new work. Follow up consistently, so they know you’re looking for a permanent site rather than just floating. You might have to “pester” them a bit, as some companies prefer to keep reliable guards on as floaters. But staying on top of them can ensure you don’t get overlooked for a permanent placement.
3. Have a Backup Plan After seeing how unpredictable site changes can be, I started keeping a backup part-time job. For instance, when I was offered “at least 24 hours as a floater,” I had a weekend gig already lined up with another security company. That backup became my main job when a full-time role opened up, offering better pay even if it came with less desirable hours. Having a secondary job can give you options if a contract shifts or you’re let go unexpectedly.
4. Always Be Searching Don’t wait for the rug to be pulled. Keep your eyes open for better opportunities, and apply for other positions regularly. This way, you’re the one moving forward rather than getting caught off-guard (ba dum tsss) by changes in a client-contractor relationship where, realistically, guards are the last consideration.
5. Work as a Floater Until You Find Something Better If none of the above is possible, make the most of the “floater” or “fill-in” role for as long as needed. Being a flexible guard can give you some work until a better, more permanent role comes along—whether that’s through your company or somewhere else entirely. Remember, it’s just business, so make the most of the system to stay afloat until you find a role that works better for you.

Some guards don’t seem to realize how disposable we are in this industry, especially working in a contracted capacity, until situations like these hit home. Contracts and client relationships shift all the time, and guards are usually the last to know. If you’ve been through a similar situation or have tips for handling these sudden changes, drop a comment. Knowing you’re not alone in this is one thing, but sharing experiences might actually help the next guard facing an unexpected shift.

Which badge will you be wearing this week?

Let's break down what happened LAST WEEK and what we're walking into THIS WEEK:

From the Trenches:

• High of the Week: Share your win – big or small! (Promotion, resolved a conflict, etc.)
• Low of the Week: Let it out. What threw you off your game?
• Surprise of the Week: The thing you didn't see coming, good OR bad.

Incoming!:

• Positive Outlook: What are you HOPING goes smoothly this week?
• Potential Hassle: What are you semi-dreading, but ready to handle?
• Goal of the Week: One thing you want to achieve professionally in the next 7 days.

Catharsis purges the soul! We've all been there. Share your stories, vent a bit if needed, this is a safe (and secure) space.

You’re a residential security guard nearing the end of your building patrol on the top floor when the roof access alarm goes off. Upon reaching the roof, you find a young lady, around 15 or 16, just outside the access door. She’s visibly distressed, shaking, and crying, muttering things about her personal problems. She’s also shifting closer to the ledge, and the sight of you approaching makes her more agitated—she’s threatening to jump if you come closer.

Here’s what we know:

It's only you and the lobby officer on-site right now, and supervisors aren’t immediately reachable.

Site protocol has basic guidelines for emergencies, but nothing specific for handling someone who’s distraught and suicidal.

She’s already responding poorly to your presence, and any sudden movements seem to increase her agitation. Any misstep could make the situation fatal.

While it’s clear you’d call for police support, what would you say or do to keep her calm in those critical minutes until they arrive?

Hey everyone! After a long wait, I finally snagged the dayshift position, and I'm feeling pretty stoked about it. 😎 I know a lot of guards don’t prefer days due to the early mornings, the higher volume of people and incidents, and the constant presence of managers. While I get that, I’m actually on the other side of the fence—I’d rather clock in early, get my shift done, and enjoy the rest of my day without the work dread creeping up in the afternoon or late at night.

For me, second shift always left me dragging myself to work and counting down the hours until start time, and third shift/graves...that’s a whole lifestyle. You need a solid, consistent sleep routine and have to adjust your personal life around it, which can be hard to sustain without it affecting health, relationships, or social time.

So here I am, finally with the early shift, and I’m curious to hear from the community: What’s your take on shift choice? Do you love your shift, or are you hoping to switch to something else? If you’re on days or have worked it in the past, how did you manage the extra responsibilities that can come with it? Let’s get a good convo going—always interested in hearing everyone’s unique experience and insights!

I always tell you guys, ABS, ALWAYS BE SEARCHING! During my near daily job search I've just stumbled upon a vertiable gold mine of security guard positions. These are ALL IN HOUSE FULL BENEFITS AND FULL TIME SCHEDULES! If you're a guard within reasonable commuting distance and meet the requirements and you're tired of being jerked around by the likes of AUS and Garda, well shrugs and gestures to the below:

1. Hospital Roles – Great Pay + Training

- Top Choice: Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center (MSK)

- Pay Range: $23.03 - $34.67 per hour

- Why Start Here?

- MSK provides thorough training, including paying for the Fire Life Safety Director (FLSD) certification (a massive plus in NYC's security job market).

- Build foundational skills in emergency response, digital surveillance, and customer service in a fast-paced environment.

- Requirements: Valid NYS Security Guard License, experience in similar roles, and capability to handle high-pressure situations.

- Role Details: You’ll monitor building areas, respond to incidents, and ensure a safe, secure environment for patients and staff.

2. Hotel Roles – Top Unarmed Pay with Exclusive Benefits

- Top Picks: 4 Seasons NYC and IC Barclay NY

- Pay Range: $31.11 - $41.47 per hour (Four Seasons) and $28.88 - $38.51 per hour (IC Barclay)

- Why Transition Here?

- Once you’ve obtained an FLSD certification (like the one from MSK), these hotel positions are among NYC’s highest-paying unarmed roles.

- Hotels like the Four Seasons cater to high-profile clients, and you’ll work in a luxury environment with employee benefits like 401k, healthcare, complimentary stays at other Four Seasons properties, free meals, and commuter benefits.

- Requirements: Two years of security experience, NYS Security License, and CPR/First Aid skills. FLSD is a big advantage.

3. University Security – Consistent Hours, Full Benefits

- Top Picks: Princeton University and Yale University Art Gallery

- Pay: Starts around $22.00 per hour for entry-level roles (Princeton).

- Why University Security?

- Secure, full-time union positions with comprehensive benefits and a predictable schedule.

- Engage in community-oriented security, patrolling beautiful campuses, and building strong relationships with staff and students.

- Requirements: Security experience, ability to handle physical tasks, and strong communication skills.

4. NYU Langone Health – Community-Focused, Full-Time

- Pay Range: Starting from $31.52 per hour with benefits.

- Why Consider NYU Langone?

- Known for its inclusive, patient-centered approach, with roles ideal for compassionate professionals interested in healthcare security.

- Requirements: Valid NYS Security Guard License, CPR certification, and experience in similar settings.

Career Advice: Start with MSK for their FLSD certification, then consider applying for Four Seasons or Barclay Hotel roles to maximize your earnings once certified.

Also, I know what you're thinking "NYU? Princeton? Yale? They only pay $2x.xx per hour THATS IT?!?!". Keep in mind that working at an IVY League looks INCREDIBLE on a resume. Leverage, leverage, leverage. Even if you get the job and they literally sit you in a parking lot for 2 years, it wasn't just ANY parking lot, it was the PRINCETON Parking lot. Use that shit to your advantage!